How To Immigrate to Sweden: Sweden has long been a popular destination for immigrants from around the world. Known for its high standard of living, strong welfare system, and progressive values, Sweden attracts individuals and families seeking safety, better job opportunities, education, and an improved quality of life.
Over the past few decades, the country has welcomed people from various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, contributing to its multicultural society.
In this article, we’ll explore how to immigrate to Sweden, breaking down the steps and requirements you need to navigate this exciting journey.
Note, aside from Sweden, there are also interesting countries like Spain you can also immigrate you.
Table of contents
- Why People Choose to Move to Sweden
- Swedish Migration Agency and Its Role
- Are there Immigration Laws and Regulations in Sweden?
- Who Can Immigrate to Sweden?
- Requirements for Different Groups (Students, Workers, Family)
- How to apply for Sweden Residence Permit
- Can I Move To Sweden Without a Job?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- References
- Recommendations
Why People Choose to Move to Sweden
There are several key reasons why people choose to immigrate to Sweden. Many are drawn by the country’s robust economy and job market, especially in industries such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Others come to study at Sweden’s reputable universities, which offer high-quality education and programs in English.
Additionally, Sweden’s reputation for social equality, environmental sustainability, and safety appeals to those looking for a peaceful and fair society.
Refugees and asylum seekers also find Sweden to be a welcoming destination due to its humanitarian policies and support services.
Whether for work, study, family reunification, or protection, Sweden continues to be a desirable place for individuals seeking a fresh start.
Swedish Migration Agency and Its Role
The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is the main government body responsible for handling immigration matters in Sweden.
Its role includes processing residence permit applications for people who want to move to Sweden for work, study, or family reasons.
It also manages asylum applications and citizenship requests. The agency ensures that immigration policies are followed and that applicants meet all legal requirements before being granted permission to stay in the country.
Are there Immigration Laws and Regulations in Sweden?
Yes, there are immigration laws in Sweden every immigrant must strictly adhere to if he or she wants to legally enetr the country. These laws and regulations are what governs tthe Sweden’s immigration system.
The most important is the Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen), which outlines who is allowed to enter and stay in the country.
Other important laws include the Citizenship Act and various EU regulations that affect immigration from other European countries. These laws cover everything from visa rules to residence permits, family reunification rights, and refugee protection.
Immigration laws in Sweden are regularly updated to reflect new policies and international agreements.
You can Also check out: How Much Does a Work Visa for Europe Cost? Application Guide
Who Can Immigrate to Sweden?
Just like in immigration to Spain process, people from both within and outside the European Union (EU) can immigrate to Sweden, but the process and requirements vary depending on the person’s country of origin and reason for moving. Common categories include:
- EU/EEA citizens – Can live and work in Sweden without a visa or work permit.
- Non-EU/EEA citizens – Must apply for a residence permit based on work, study, asylum, or family reunification.
- Asylum seekers – People fleeing war or persecution can apply for asylum in Sweden.
- Family members – Spouses, children, and sometimes other close relatives may be allowed to join family members already living in Sweden.
Requirements for Different Groups (Students, Workers, Family)
Different groups of immigrants must meet specific requirements to be granted a residence permit:
- Students must have been accepted into a full-time study program, show proof of financial support, and have valid health insurance. Their permit is usually valid for the duration of their studies.
- Workers need a job offer from a Swedish employer, a signed employment contract, and proof that the salary and working conditions meet Swedish standards. The employer must also show that the job was advertised in the EU before hiring a non-EU worker.
- Family members must show proof of their relationship to the person living in Sweden. The person in Sweden must usually have a stable income and suitable housing to support the family member joining them.
How to apply for Sweden Residence Permit
There are two major ways you can apply for a residence permit. Either you apply online, which is the easiest way, or you do it on paper.
Online application is easiest and quickest because your application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Board.
Let’s look at the sweden immigration application processes:
How To Apply For Sweden Residency Permit Online
1. Get Your Documents Ready
In the sweden immigration application, the first step is to check your documents and personal data to ensure they are complete. Normally, the Swedish Migration Board releases a list of the Required documents. And they always give priority to applications with complete documentation.
2. Make Your Application
The next step is to make your application online. To do this, attach your documents electronically and pay your application fee. You can either pay with a MasterCard or VISA card.
3. Fill in a Questionnaire
To complete this stage, your family member you are going to stay with must answer questions within a timeframe, which is always 2 weeks. This question comes through email with instructions that must be adhered to.
4. Visit the embassy/consulate
Await an email requesting that you schedule a visit to the embassy. Only after reviewing your application and your family member’s responses will the Swedish Migration Board forward your case to the embassy.
You schedule a meeting by submitting an appointment request to the following address: migration.abuja@gov.se
You will be interrogated at the embassy after presenting your passport as identification. Interviews are also conducted with children who are requesting for a residency permit. Interviews are conducted with the child’s caregiver if the child is too young or immature.
The original copies of the documents you sent with your online application should be brought with you.
The Swedish Migration Board may have additionally requested that you bring other documents in its email. If you are awarded a resident permit, you could be required to provide your fingerprints and a photo for the residence permission card. This is true for kids as well.
You can find the address of the embassy under Sweden Embassy Contact.
Your case is returned to the Swedish Migration Board following the interview. Your case is forwarded to the Swedish Migration Board, and your application may be denied, even if you did not show up for the interview or contact the embassy.
5. Await the outcome.
When the Swedish Migration Board has reached its decision, you will be informed of this by email. If you have permitted your family member in Sweden to act on your behalf, they will get the actual decision.
6. Await the card for your residency permit.
A residence permit card will be issued to you if you are granted a dwelling permit.
If a visa is required to enter Sweden
If you have already been photographed and fingerprinted, the card is automatically ordered if you require a visa to enter Sweden.
The creation and delivery of the residency permit card to the embassy may take up to four weeks.
If you do not need a visa to enter Sweden
If you have been granted a residence permit and do not require a visa, you travel to Sweden and arrange for the card there. Contact the Swedish Migration Board to have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
How To Apply for Residency Permit On Paper form
1. Prepare your documentation
Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Board gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner.
Read more under Required documents and on the Swedish Migration Board website through the link above.
2. Pay the application fee
The Embassy does not accept cash payments. All application fees shall be paid at: Zenith Bank account No: 1130018871
You must always pay the fee before you visit the Embassy.
Read more under Fees.
3. Present your application at the embassy
Bring along the completed application form, together with all your documents and the receipt of payment.
Visa and residence permit applications are received by appointment only. Bookings are handled by e-mail: migration.abuja@gov.se
You can find the address of the embassy under Contact.
4. Visit the embassy
At the embassy, you will be interviewed. Children applying for a residence permit are also interviewed. If the child is too young or too immature, the person looking after the child is interviewed instead.
You may be photographed and fingerprinted for the residence permit card you will receive if you are granted a residence permit. This also applies to children.
After the interview, your case is sent back to the Migration Board in Sweden. If you have neither attended the interview nor made contact with the embassy, your case is nevertheless sent to the Swedish Migration Board, and your application may be rejected.
5. Wait for the decision
The Swedish Migration Board’s decision will be sent to your family member in Sweden, if you have authorised him or her to represent you.
6. Wait for the residence permit card
If you are granted a residence permit, you will be issued a residence permit card. You arrange for the card in the same way as described above under ‘Applying online’.
Can I Move To Sweden Without a Job?
Indeed, you can relocate to Sweden without a job, but there are restrictions based on your country of origin and intended stay.
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland:
Without a work, you are free to relocate to Sweden.
For a maximum of three months, you can reside in Sweden without registering.
If you intend to remain longer, you have to:
- Have enough money
- You must be ready to get a job when you get there
If you are not a citizen of the EU or EEA:
Although it is more difficult, moving without a job is nevertheless feasible via these routes:
Enroll in a recognized university program to obtain a student visa.
Residence Permit for Job Seekers: Sweden provides competent non-EU nationals with a visa to search for employment or launch a business; these visas are typically valid for 3 to 9 months.
Family Reunification: If you have a spouse, registered partner, child, or other close family who lives in Sweden.
Start-up Visa: For business owners who intend to launch their venture.
Swedish Language Study Visa: Some programs offer limited opportunities to study Swedish.
Crucial prerequisites:
* To sustain oneself while visiting, you must have proof of funds.
* If you are unemployed, you could require health insurance. Your application is strengthened by housing and connections to Sweden, such as family or academic acceptance.
Where to live in Sweden
If you’re able to be flexible about your location in Sweden — or about your housing budget — you can take the pick of a whole range of great cities, depending on your personal preferences. Let’s take a look at a few:
Stockholm
Sweden’s capital and home to a large expat community. If you’re coming to Sweden to work there’s a good chance this is where you’re headed. Stockholm is built on an archipelago, allowing for fun summer trips around the small islands, although Swedes do tend to get out and about in all weathers, so you may also find yourself skating on the frozen sea in winter. Rent is expensive in Stockholm, but the infrastructure and amenities are great.
Gothenburg
In the west of the country, Gothenburg also has many expat residents and a relaxed vibe. Gothenburg has a slightly lower cost of accommodation, although this is also reflected in salaries which can be a little lower than in the capital.
Malmö
The third largest city in Sweden, Malmö is further south and has a milder climate than Stockholm. Known as a startup hub, you’ll find lots of entrepreneurs and a younger crowd than in the capital, too. Rents here are quite a bit cheaper than in the other large Swedish cities, which makes it a good pick for new arrivals.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Sweden is a structured process that requires careful planning and adherence to the necessary legal requirements. Whether you’re seeking work opportunities, pursuing education, or reuniting with family, understanding the different types of permits and visas is crucial for a successful transition.
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with Swedish culture and language can greatly enhance your integration experience. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to leverage available resources and support networks that can guide you through each step of the process.
FAQs
The main visa options include work permits, student visas, family reunification, and residency permits for asylum seekers.
Yes, under family reunification rules, you can bring close family members, such as spouses and children.
The cost of living varies by city, but generally, it is high compared to many other countries, especially in urban areas like Stockholm.
Yes, having health insurance is essential until you are registered in the Swedish population register and eligible for public healthcare.
You generally need a job offer from a Swedish employer, proof of qualifications, and sometimes a labor market assessment.
References
- Sweden.se- Moving to sweden in 10 steps
- Swedenabroad.se- Apply for a residence permit/
